What I Got For Christmas 2015

I know this is rather late, but I got some lovely presents which might inspire my readers to do a bit of on-line shopping during miserable January. I was so so happy with everything I received from my friends and family; I hope you all don't mind me sharing (this is not for bragging purposes).

My mum got me this cute mug after I confessed how much I loved the John Lewis- Man on the Moon advert. Now I realise it would feel a little bit odd to buy a Christmas mug in January, but its been reduced to £2.50- here! Plus 25% of the price goes to the Age UK charity who work with older people in the UK to make sure they are happy/cared for.

Shearer candles are a brand I hadn't heard of before my Mum gifted me them. However,  both products are very good quality and smell very strong of Frankincense and Myrrh (which again may be a bit Christmassy for this time of year). But I am so happy, as my University room smells gorgeous each time I enter it and the candle is super long lasting. Check out their website as they have loads of different scents- here!

I got Argan Oil hand and nail cream in my stocking from Santa and Oh My God it smells gorgeous. I'm not really sure where my Mum/Santa bought this but I have found a link- here!

Jimmy Choo- Illicit was top of the list of presents I wanted this Christmas. Its just a beautiful, sophisticated and feminine perfume. You can buy it at your local boots- here!

I'm going to be completely honest, I have no idea where my Sister bought this little beauty. Its a tealight holder and it looks so pretty when the light shines through the intricate holes in the design. It is absolutely my style.

Make-up presents are THE best. My sister got me a very pretty floral Cath Kidston free-standing make-up bag- here! I also got two amazing eye-shadow palettes, one from Soap & Glory- here , the other from Collection- here! Both have warm and glittery colours perfect for winter.

Yayyyy- I finally got real techniques make-up brushes. So happy with these- particularly the powder brush, the quality is amazing. These can also be found at Boots- here!

With money from various family members I invested in a taupe coloured leather jacket. I fell in love as soon as I saw this is River Island. Its a little bit of me because of the fur; its so feminine. I know I'll get so much wear out of this, and it'll give my black leather jacket a little break haha. Unfortunately I can't find this version on River Island's website but did find this version for the same price.

My Sister and Best Friend both had the same fabulous idea when they got me Mindfulness colouring books. I have an abundance of pens, pencils and drawings now. These books can be found easily on Amazon for a very low price. They do wonders for helping you to relax and zone out from all your worries- all you think about is what colour green should this leaf be? Haha.

My beautiful Mum got be both of these presents. The first being a Yankee Candle melt holder- which has been the best addition to my room. The melts last FOREVER and smell so good. You can buy this from Yankee Candle- here!

My favourite present from her was the picture of myself and her on my 21st Birthday in Disney, printed on slate. This was done at a local shop and is really good quality; amazing considering the picture is off an iPhone. It just makes me smile so much every time I see it.

Thanks for reading everyone- hope it has inspired you in some way (at least to do some naughty January shopping)!

Christmas Festivities and Anxiety

I've been back from university for a week and a half now for Christmas. I am so relieved to be at home but there have been many moments my anxiety-ridden head has threatened to ruin Christmas festivities.

My sleeping routine has got so much worse- to the extent of buying myself Valerian (herbal) tablets to help me relax before bedtime. They have been helping a bit- so I would definitely recommend them- however I am not sure they help with the a billion times I wake up during the night!

I've also found it extremely difficult that my family and friends at home have not seen the worst of my anxiety whilst I've been at uni for 11 weeks. They try and comfort me when I'm worried and upset with 'don't be silly', 'calm down' or 'its stupid to worry about that'. 

Recently, after a long day of Christmas shopping in big crowds, socialising and using public transport, when I got home all I wanted to do was lie down in a dark room and sleep. I was emotionally and physically exhausted. However, my family did not understand this and thought it was selfish that I wouldn't want to watch a Christmas film with them.

I don't blame them though, anxiety is invisible to everyone apart from yourself.

I do think I've been brave though. I've been trying not to cancel on plans and still socialise with people. I'm not sure if its just because I feel a lot more comfortable in situations in Essex.

An app called Mind Shift has also been extremely helpful to me. It allows you to identify situations you get anxiety in, learn phrases to stop your brain from going into overload and also techniques that could help you overcome your fears. My panic attacks have been a lot easier to deal with because of this. 

Now its Christmas in 2 days, and I know I'll have a great time with some anxiety mixed in. But I'll make it through and the anxiety moments won't be the memorable ones.

Because I LOVE CHRISTMAS.

Golden Dream H&M Homeware

I've discovered H&M Home this week...and I'm not sure I'll ever look back.

However, I did order some Christmas presents from there, and if there are not as fab as they look on-line, then I'll obviously have to think twice about my above statement.

My room at home in baby pink with silver accessories. BUT, I am loving gold home accessories at the moment. 

If I could redecorate, this is what I would buy from H&M-

A beautiful bowl to eat all my Christmas desserts from...I make apple crumble every year, as my Sister & I don't like Christmas pudding.

A large vase to put some fresh flowers in...if anyone wants to buy me any, hint hint.

Every girl needs a box to put her 'bits and bobs' in, and how cute is this gold box?

I have a Yankee Candle advent calendar this year, so I need some cute tealight holders.

I love using the Christmas holidays as an excuse to take lots of photos, so I need a golden frame obviously.

The happiest time of all for me at Christmas time is cosy days in bed watching films.

This glamorous candle has a scent of Cinnamon which I love at this time of year!

For my cosy film days, I need a snuggly blanket with little golden flecks on it- adorable!

This teacup/mug has actually been purchased for one of my wonderful friends.